Thursday, February 04, 2010

In January 1991 a public gathering led to the formation of the Cooktown Creative Arts Association. Their first meeting was on 13th February, 1991.

Many workshops and classes have been held over the years, including design, drawing, wood carving, poetry, art history, painting, life drawing, silk painting and stained glass to name a few.

In the beginning classes were held at the school, CWA hall, members’ homes and Gungarde hall. After the enormous success of an exhibition of local art and craft run by the Cooktown Regional Action Group, the group took on the Art-space in lower ground floor of Kindergarten.

In September 2001 the Kindy moved so CCAA obtained the lease and the new Art and Craft Shop was open! Located at the Old Cooktown Railway Station in Charlotte Street it is staffed by artists and volunteers. The Art-space beneath is in use for workshops and with a gas kiln now installed, for firing pottery.

The shop provides local artists with a source of income, as well as a wonderful venue to showcase their talents.